Ottawa city councillor Jeff Leiper launched his campaign for mayor in the 2026 municipal election on May 10, 2024 [1].
Leiper's entry into the race signals an early challenge to the current administration and introduces a platform focused on urban infrastructure and fiscal management. As a long-serving member of the city council, his candidacy brings an established political profile to the mayoral contest.
Leiper filed his nomination paperwork on the first day that nominations opened for the 2026 election [1]. He was among three candidates who filed their paperwork on that Friday, which also included a home-builder and an economist [2]. Other reports suggest at least four candidates may have been poised to kick off their campaigns early in the process [3].
Alongside his nomination, Leiper released a partial campaign platform. He said the plan focuses on affordable housing, sustainable transit, and responsible budgeting for all Ottawa residents [1].
"I'm excited to start this journey for Ottawa's future and to bring a fresh perspective to the mayor's office," Leiper said during a video interview with CTV News [4].
Leiper represents the Kitchissippi Ward on the city council. He is entering the mayoral race after serving three terms on the council [1, 5]. He said he intends to address key issues including transit and fiscal responsibility to provide a new direction for the city's leadership [1].
His decision to file on the opening day of the nomination period establishes him as one of the first official contenders for the 2026 seat. The early filing allows his campaign to begin organizing and fundraising well ahead of the general election date.
“"I'm excited to start this journey for Ottawa's future and to bring a fresh perspective to the mayor's office."”
The early entry of a seasoned councillor like Leiper indicates a strategic move to define the political narrative of the 2026 election before other major candidates emerge. By prioritizing affordable housing and transit, Leiper is targeting core urban pressures that typically dominate Ottawa's municipal discourse, positioning himself as a candidate of experience who can bridge the gap between council operations and executive leadership.
